Waterbury evening Democrat., 1887-12-20

on the Dack ana 8 cneery V0lce erie in my ear: "Hello, old man. Ba Jawve, glad to see you" I turned an looked at the speaker. He was an English man; his speech had told me that, and hi dress confirmed it. He was attired in tn ultra Anglican fashion that the weak mind ed of this country affect so much. He was big, red faced man, and at his side stood an other specimen of the same class
 'Hello, how are youg cried Number Two extending his hand "Come with us We'r just going to get bite near by, and you cal join us in a bottle of wine" stood amazed
 Really, gentlemen" I began. Then tn, first man broke in: "CoIne, now, my lord we are aware that Sir Lionel is travelling in cog; but we won't peach on you. Bal Jawve, but you have got the American styls down very well, hasn't he, Cyrilq' Cyril thus appealed to, answered by vigorou. nod, and locking his arm in mine, dragged me along. "Come now, Leon, drink one glass with me in memory of Margaret ] strove to speak, but Cyril went on.
 "What queer freak are you up to now, old man? When Bob and heard that you were in New York, we determined to find you 1 was confident that could pierce any blasted disguise that you got into. Knew you too well at Somers for that. Going back SUD- pose, in time for the extra debate in the house? That was lucky chance by which you got in, wasn't its And, say, what in the name of-Great Castor and Polluxl what have we herea" and my loquacious friend stopped short Confronting us was a man about my build, dressed neatly as was Isaw no resemblance in the newcomers features to | me, but knew that my unfortunate trait had l shown forth and that had encountered my double-or, rather, he had met his The trio EnOIlShman in, fho1 wonder.
 "Great Cesar! Lionel, which is you, and who is the other fellowY' asked Cyril, look ing from one side to the other.
 Denny if I know," said the real Sir Lionel l drew forth my card-the first time that the chance had been offered, for the two had held both my arms-and handed it to him. At the sound of the others voice the illusion departed, for the three men burst into laugh and one of them cried:
 We beg your pardon, Mir. Stevens, but really at first the likeness was wonderful. Of course, we see our mistake now. Will you not join us in the wine, however, Fun niest thing ever saw" pleaded an engagement and accepted the profuse apologies of Cyril and Bob. watched them go off with the genuine article. looking back now and then to make sure that they had really found the right man.
 To look like waiter one day and tho next like scion of Britain's nobility completely upset me, and hailing cab jumped in and gave my address. In few minutes was at my house, and as was about to pay the cab man he inquired, in an injured tone, "Sha'n't I wait for you, Mir. Graham?"
 I was used to that sort of thing by this time, so told him that I was uncertain how long would be detained and gave him his fare
 It was almost surprise to me that the front door opened with my latch key, and entering my room I looked distrustfully about, half doubting that it was my own sanctum, and expecting to see another George Arthur Stevens reclining in my arm chair even touched the familiar objects on the mantel piece, and ran my fingers over the notes of the piano, before I was absolutely sure that was at home.
 Then sinking into my great chair I ran over the events of the day and concluded that was crazy. Having, stark mad, I thought myself, and the story of the man who knew that he was insane, and kept it to himself, came to my mind. I decided that I must act as that man did, and dissimulate, in order to conceal my disordered condition, for felt that was but harmless lunatic at worst. ..
 Now, at the present moment, conclude that it is Nemesis. Confound it!
 IT.
 OCTOBER 18th, 1887.
 For some days after my last meeting I was quite myself. I went out, met Miss Earle several times, and each time grew deeper and deeper in love with her; and she-it seems almost sacrilege to mention it-she has grown very different of late, and her manner fnyva,H ma hac chaprad that, life would be worthless. An, when win her, feel as though there would be no such thing as trouble. imagine myself knight errant striving against the powers of enchantment to gain my fairy princess But shall win? By the way, know her full name now. It is Gladys Murray Earle, Isn't that pretty namea It just suits her.
 wen, as I nave sa1u, the nrsu lew days were uneventful 4 slight incident occurred at dinner party that was somewhat un- pleasant, and Q forerunner of other trials. Before we went down to the table strange old gentleman rushed up to me and grasped me by the hand, keeping up most outrageous string of questions on matters knew nothing of all the time. To avoid any unpleasant ex- plantations and to preserve the peace, an- swered in a preoccupied manner. At the dinner table, however, the old gentleman was my vis-a-vis, and once in awhile broke in on my conversation with Miss Earle, at whose right hand sat- Suddenly, during Hull in the conversation, he exclaimed:
 By the way, how is Miss Rothmers Oh, you sly fellow, you; the last time heard from Hampton you were engaged to her. Pretty girl; lots of money; suppose it is still on, isn't it? You were pretty we'll gone, as remember. You should have seen him, Miss Earle," continued the old fogy, address. ing my partner, "head over heels in love with pretty girl this summer I didn't be- ieve it possible for fellow like him to be so utterly crushed. He went about all day with tho most woe begone expression. No doubt he has told you all about it." The amiable old fool had been saying this in loud tone which had attracted the attention of all the other guests, and seeing that he held an in terested audience he went on: "Miss Rothmer, you know, was in love with him all the time, tot. Look how red he gets. Nothing to be ashamed of, my boy. and she used to tell my daughter that she wouldn't confess that she liked him, because she enjoyed making him miserable. An, girls have hard hearts, sometimes, Miss Earle. By the way, Markham, when will the | cards be outg'
 ''Markhams" cried the hostess from the | other end of the table. "Why, MT. Brown, | you must be mistaken. That is Mir. l Stevens"